Erik Johnson (SP-CWS). Erik Johnson made his season debut for the White Sox on Friday and, to put it mildly, it did not go well. Johnson was annihilated by the Royals to the tune of 7 runs and 13 baserunners in only 4.2 innings. Hopefully, Johnson's impressive minor league numbers from 2013 (2.23 ERA and 7.87 K/9 in AA and 1.57 ERA and 8.95 K/9 in AAA) did not lead to his inclusion in too many fantasy rotations. Johnson's true talent level is probably something along the line of his 4.73 xFIP and 5.86 K/9 in his 27 innings stint in the majors. He was guilty of trying to be too fine against the Royals, which may indicate a lack of confidence in his stuff. Although the White Sox seem committed to giving him a full opportunity in their rotation, he should be avoided for fantasy purposes in all but the deepest of AL-only leagues.
Masahiro Tanaka (SP-NYY). Tanaka got the win in his long-awaited major league debut on Friday night, holding the Blue Jays to 3 runs (2 earned) over 7 strong innings. Tanaka got off to a rocky start, allowing 3 runs over his first two innings, but then settled down and finished with a line of only 6 hits allowed, with no walks and 8 Ks. Although I am skeptical of Tanaka's long-term success, it was an impressive debut against strong (although Jose Reyes-less) lineup in a very hitter-favorable environment. I think it will be difficult for Tanaka to post an ERA under 3.50 pitching half his games in Yankee Stadium, but his strong K and W potential should make him a solid SP3 or 4 in fantasy rotations.
Adam Eaton (OF-CWS). Eaton went 2 for 4 with 1 run and 2 RBI against the Royals Friday afternoon. Eaton's combination of speed, strong on-base skills and moderate power make him very attractive, particularly in OBP leagues. Eaton is someone I am targeting as a possible acquisition, as I think he will have a breakout season, given his favorable home hitting environment (which has already produced several high scoring games this season, despite the wintry weather), I would not be surprised to see Eaton hit .275 with 10 HR and 25-30 SBs, which would make him a borderline top-20 fantasy OF.
Rajai Davis (OF-DET). Davis went 1-for-3 with a HR and 3 RBI against the Orioles on Friday afternoon. More significantly, though, was the fact that he got the start against a right-handed pitcher, after sitting the first time the Tigers faced a righty. If Davis can get full playing time during Andy Dirks's absence (out until probably mid-season after back surgery) he immediately becomes mixed league relevant due to his speed. In full-time or close to full-time duty, Davis is a threat to steal 50 bases, making him a must-add to any fantasy team that may be deficient in SBs, if he continues to get regular playing time. This is a situation to keep an eye on over the next few games.
Nick Castellanos (3B-DET). Castellanos went 2 for 3 with a run and an RBI on Friday afternoon, to raise his early-season line to .400/.500/.500. Castellanos is widely-available in many shallower leagues, and could be a good pickup for those who fell for Mike Moustakas' hot spring. Castellanos will probably not hit many more than 15 HR, but should post a solid average and solid RBI totals hitting in one of the AL's more dangerous lineups.
